Holding device for a mobile electronic device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a holding device for a mobile electronic device. The holding device may comprise a single member or a plurality of members. For example, the holding device may comprise a first holding member, a second holding member and a handle member. The first holding member and the second holding member interface with a mobile electronic device. The handle member may be held by a user, or may be mounted to a surface. In one example of the present disclosure the holding device comprises at least one joint which allows the first holding member, second holding member and/or the handle member to move in relation to the remaining members, allowing the holding device to fold into a compact configuration. In another example of the present invention, the holding device comprises a single member comprising a device holding mechanism and a handle section.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a device for holding a mobile electronic device, such as an electronic reading device, an e-book reader, an electronic tablet, and/or any other similar electronic device.

BACKGROUND

Mobile electronic devices such as electronic reading devices, e-book readers, and electronic tablets, are popular electronic products used for various consumer and business purposes. However, the mobile electronic device may be shaped in such a way that it is difficult for a user to hold the electronic tablet, and/or it is difficult to display the electronic tablet. For example, the mobile electronic device may be heavy, the mobile electronic device may have thin edges, and/or users may also be afraid of smudging the display of a mobile electronic device or unintentionally selecting a button or option of a mobile electronic device.

Thus, a need exists for a device for holding a mobile electronic device. Such a system would allow users to hold the mobile electronic device comfortably and ergonomically. The holding device may also display the mobile electronic device during hands-free use, or when the mobile electronic device is not being actively used.

SUMMARY

A device for holding a mobile electronic device is hereinafter described. In one example, the following describes a holding device having a first holding member, a second holding member and a handle member. The first holding member and the second holding member interface with the mobile electronic device. The handle member may be held by a user and/or mounted to a stationary surface. The holding device may be collapsible, and/or otherwise foldable. Additionally, the first holding member, the second holding member and the handle member may be interconnected by one or more joints that allow the first holding member, second holding member and handle member to fold towards each other. In another example of the present disclosure, the holding device may comprise a single member that attaches to the mobile electronic holding device, and a holding section that may be held by a user and/or mounted on a stationary surface.

A better understanding of the objects, advantages, features, properties and relationships of the holding device for a mobile electronic device will be obtained from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings which set forth an illustrative embodiment and which are indicative of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the holding device for a mobile electronic device reference may be had to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example holding device for a mobile electronic device constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing another example holding device for a mobile electronic device constructed in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A-3C together illustrate three perspective views showing the folding of the example holding device of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4A-4B together illustrate two perspective views showing the folding of a third example holding device for a mobile electronic device constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-5B together illustrate two perspective views showing the folding of a third example holding device for a mobile electronic device constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the figures, the following describes various examples of a holding device for a mobile electronic device. Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an example holding device 10 for a mobile electronic device in accordance with one example of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the holding device 10 is utilized with a mobile electronic device 1. The mobile electronic device 1 may be, for example, an electronic reader, an eBook reader, an electronic tablet, an electronic notebook, a netbook, a personal computer, a mobile device, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and/or any other appropriate device.

The example holding device 10 comprises three members, 11, 12, and 13. As will be appreciated, each member 11, 12, and 13 may be constructed of a metal material, a plastic material, a composite of metal and plastic, and/or any other material as desired. Additionally, the three members 11, 12, and 13 may be formed separately and later attached, or the three members 11, 12, and 13 may be formed from a single piece of material.

More specifically, the holding device 10 includes a first holding member 11, a second holding member 12, and a handle member 13. In the illustrated example, the first holding member 11 is axially co-linear with the handle member 13, and the second holding member 12 is perpendicular to both the first holding member 11 and the handle member 13. In the illustrated example the first holding member 11, the second holding member 12, and the handle member 13, each are of approximately equal length. However, it may be appreciated that the first holding member 11, the second holding member 12 and the handle member 13 may be of unequal lengths in other embodiments of the present disclosure, and may be specifically sized to a particular electronic mobile device, or may be sized generally to fit a variety of devices as best as possible, and/or may be of adjustable size.

The first holding member 11 interfaces with the mobile electronic device 1 via the first holding surface 11 a. The second holding member 12 interfaces with the mobile electronic device 1 via the second holding surface 12 a. In this example the first holding surface 11 a and the second holding surface 12 a interface with the mobile electronic device 1 through a U-shaped flange on the first holding surface 11 a and the second holding surface 12 a. The first holding surface 11 a and the second holding surface 12 a each wrap around the edge of the mobile electronic device 1. As will be appreciated, the first holding surface 11 a and second holding surface 12 a may interface with the electronic device through complimentary connectors, a friction fit, a suction fitting, an adhesive surface, a magnetic fitting, and/or any other holding mechanism. Additionally, as will be appreciated, the first holding surface 11 a and the second holding surface 12 a may further comprise a removable lining that assists in holding the mobile electronic device 1, for example, a rubber gasket, an adhesive strip, and/or an elastic lining. Further, as will be appreciated, the first holding surface 11 a and the second holding surface 12 a may comprise a locking mechanism for securing the mobile electronic device 1, for example, a pin mechanism, a clip mechanism, a latch mechanism, and/or a key mechanism.

In the illustrated example the mobile electronic device 1 is rectangular with unequal width and height, however, as will be appreciated, the holding device 10 may also be square in shape, with an equal width and height. In the illustrated example, the long edge of the mobile electronic device 1 interfaces with the first holding surface 11 a, and the short edge of the mobile electronic device interfaces with the second holding surface 12 a. However, it may be appreciated that the short edge of the mobile electronic device 1 may interface with the first holding surface 11 a and the long edge of the mobile electronic device 1 may interface with the second holding surface 12 a.

The handle member 13 may be held by a user in various ways, allowing the user to view the mobile electronic device 1 in different orientations. For example, the holding device 10 may be held so that the handle member 13 is pointing downward and the mobile electronic device 1 is above the handle member 13. In another example, the holding device 10 may be held so that the handle member 13 is pointing to the right and the mobile electronic device 1 is to the left of the handle member 13. In another example, the holding device 10 may be held so the handle member 13 is pointing upward and the mobile electronic device 1 is below the handle member 13. And in a yet another example, the holding device 10 may be held so the handle member 13 is pointing to the left and the mobile electronic device 1 is to the right of the handle member 13. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the handle member may be mounted to a surface such as a table, desk, wall, chair, nightstand, exercise machine and/or any other appropriate surface.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example holding device 20 for a mobile electronic device 1 in accordance with an example of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example of the present disclosure the holding device 20 includes three members, a first holding member 21, a second holding member 22 and a handle member 23. In addition, the first holding member 21 comprises a first holding surface 21 a, which interfaces with the mobile electronic device 1. The second holding member 22 comprises a second holding surface 22 a, which interfaces with the mobile electronic device 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, the members 21, 22, 23 of the holding device 20 may fold and/or otherwise collapse allowing for compact storage and/or travel, and also allowing a user to customize the configuration of the holding device 20. In the illustrated disclosure, the holding device 20 comprises two pivot joints, a first pivot joint 24 and a second pivot joint 25. In the illustrated example the first pivot joint 24 attaches the first holding member 21 to the second holding member 22, and the second pivot joint 25 attaches the second holding member 22 to the handle member 23. The first pivot joint 24 and the second pivot joint 25 allow the first holding member 21, the second holding member 22 and the handle member 23 to move in relation to one another, for example to fold into a collapsed orientation.

Additionally, as will be appreciated, the first pivot joint 24 and the second pivot joint 25, may lock in certain positions through, for example, a locking mechanism such as a pin mechanism, a friction fit, a one-way ratchet, and/or a latch mechanism.

As will be appreciated, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the holding device may comprise one pivot joint, that connect all three members of the holding device. In other embodiments of the present disclosure the holding device may comprise more than two pivot joints, located at various locations allowing additional folding capabilities. As will further be appreciated, the pivot joints 24 and 25 of the illustrated disclosure may comprise a pin joint, rotary joint, a ball-and-socket, a ball-bearing joint, a flex joint, an accordion joint, and/or any other joint with similar functionality.

As shown in more clearly in FIGS. 3A-3B, the first pivot joint 24 and the second pivot joint 25 allow the first holding member 21 and the handle member 23 to pivot towards the second holding member 22. As will be appreciated, the present disclosure may also comprise a holding device wherein a first holding member and a handle member pivots away from a second holding member such that the first holding member and the handle member are axially co-linear to the second handle member.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is illustrated an example holding device 40 for a mobile electronic device 1 in accordance with another example of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the holding device 40 is utilized with a mobile electronic device 1. The mobile electronic device 1 may be, for example, an electronic reader, an eBook reader, an electronic tablet, an electronic notebook, a netbook, a personal computer, a mobile device, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and/or any other appropriate device.

The example holding device 40 may be constructed of a metal material, a plastic material, a composite of metal and plastic, and/or any other material as desired. In this example the holding device 40 interfaces with the mobile electronic device 1 via a device holding mechanism 44 and 46, which comprises a holding surface 46, and a holding tab 44. In particular, the holding surface 46 wraps around the back surface of the mobile electronic device 1, and the holding tab wraps around an edge of the mobile electronic device 1. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the holding mechanism 44 and 46 may interface with the mobile electronic device 1 via complimentary connectors, a friction fit, a suction fitting, an adhesive surface, a magnetic fitting, and/or any other holding mechanism. Additionally, as will be appreciated, the holding surface 46 and the holding tab 44 may further comprise a removable lining that assists in holding the mobile electronic device 1, for example, a rubber gasket, an adhesive strip, and/or an elastic lining. Further, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the holding surface 46 and the holding tab 44 may comprise a locking mechanism for securing the mobile electronic device 1, for example, a pin mechanism, a clip mechanism, a latch mechanism, and/or a key mechanism.

The example holding device 40 also comprises a handle section 42. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the handle section 42 may be held by a user in various ways, allowing the user to view the mobile electronic device 1 in different orientations. For example, the holding device 40 may be held so that the handle section 42 is pointing downward and the mobile electronic device 1 is above the handle section 42. In another example, the holding device 40 may be held so that the handle section 42 is pointing to the right and the mobile electronic device 1 is to the left of the handle section 42. In another example, the holding device 40 may be held so that the handle section 42 is pointing upward and the mobile electronic device 1 is below the handle section 42. And in yet another example, the holding device 40 may be held so that the handle section 42 is pointing to the left and the mobile electronic device 1 is to the right of the handle section 42. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the handle member may be mounted to a surface such as a table, desk, wall, chair, nightstand, exercise machine and/or any other appropriate surface.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is illustrated an example holding device 50 for a mobile electronic device 1 in accordance with another example of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the mobile electronic device 1 may be, for example, an electronic reader, an eBook reader, an electronic tablet, an electronic notebook, a netbook, a personal computer, a mobile device, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and/or any other appropriate device.

The example holding device 50 may be constructed of a metal material, a plastic material, a composite of metal and plastic, and/or any other material as desired. In this example the holding device 50 interfaces with the mobile electronic device 1 via a holding surface 54. In the illustrated example, the holding surface comprises a U-shaped flange that wraps around an edge of the mobile electronic device 1. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the holding surface 54 may interface with the mobile electronic device 1 via complimentary connectors, a friction fit, a suction fitting, an adhesive surface, a magnetic fitting, and/or any other holding mechanism. Additionally, as will be appreciated, the holding surface 54 may further comprise a removable lining that assists in holding the mobile electronic device 1, for example, a rubber gasket, an adhesive strip, and/or an elastic lining. Further, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the holding surface 54 may comprise a locking mechanism for securing the mobile electronic device 1, for example, a pin mechanism, a clip mechanism, a latch mechanism, and/or a key mechanism.

The example holding device 50 also comprises a handle section 52. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the handle section 52 may be held by a user in various ways, allowing the user to view the mobile electronic device 1 in different orientations. For example, the holding device 40 may be held so that the handle section 52 is pointing downward and the mobile electronic device 1 is above the handle section 52. In another example, the holding device 40 may be held so that the handle section 52 is pointing to the right and the mobile electronic device 1 is to the left of the handle section 52. In another example, the holding device 40 may be held so the handle section 52 is pointing upward and the mobile electronic device 1 is below the handle section 52. And in yet another example, the holding device 40 may be held so the handle section 52 is pointing to the left and the mobile electronic device 1 is to the right of the handle section 52. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the handle member may be mounted to a surface such as a table, desk, wall, chair, nightstand, exercise machine and/or any other appropriate surface. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A holding device for use with a mobile electronic device, comprising: at least one holding member; and at least one handle member; wherein the at least one holding member interfaces with at least a first edge of a mobile electronic device; and wherein the at least one handle member is physically connected to the at least one holding member.
 2. The holding device as recited in claim 1, wherein the handle at least one holding member is disposed axially co-linear to the at least one handle member.
 3. The holding device as recited in claim 1, wherein the handle member includes a grip portion to allow a user to interface with the handle member.
 4. The holding device as recited in claim 1, wherein the handle member is mountable to a stationary surface.
 5. The holding device as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the first holding member and the second holding member comprises a U-shaped channel.
 6. The holding device as recited in claim 6, wherein the U-shaped channel is configured to removably retain the edge of the mobile electronic device.
 7. The holding device as recited in claim 7, wherein the U-shaped channel includes a fastener to retain the edge of the mobile electronic device.
 8. A holding device for use with a mobile electronic device, comprising: a first holding member; a second holding member; and a handle member; wherein the first holding member interfaces with a first edge of a mobile electronic device; wherein the second holding member interfaces with a second edge of a mobile electronic device; and wherein the first holding member is disposed axially perpendicular to the second holding member; the second holding member is disposed axially perpendicular to the handle member; and the first holding device is disposed axially co-linear to the handle member.
 9. The holding device as recited in claim 8, wherein the holding device further comprises at least one pivoting joint, for allowing at least one of the first holding member, the second holding member, and the handle member to move axially.
 10. The holding device as recited in claim 9, wherein the at least one pivoting joint is lockable in at least one axial position.
 11. The holding device as recited in claim 8, wherein the handle member includes a grip portion to allow a user to interface with the handle member.
 12. The holding device as recited in claim 8, wherein the handle member is mountable to a stationary surface.
 13. The holding device as recited in claim 8, wherein at least one of the first holding member and the second holding member comprises a U-shaped channel.
 14. The holding device as recited in claim 8, wherein the U-shaped channel is configured to removably retain the edge of the mobile electronic device.
 15. The holding device as recited in claim 8, wherein the U-shaped channel includes a fastener to retain the edge of the mobile electronic device.
 16. A holding device for use with a mobile electronic device, comprising: a first holding member; a second holding member; a handle member; at least one pivoting joint wherein the first holding member interfaces with a first edge of a mobile electronic device; wherein the second holding member interfaces with a second edge of a mobile electronic device; and wherein the at least one pivoting joint joins at least two of the first holding member, the second holding member, and the handle member; and wherein at least one of the first holding member, the second holding member, and the handle member is able to move axially.
 17. The holding device as recited in claim 16, wherein the at least one pivoting joint is lockable in at least one axial position.
 18. The holding device as recited in claim 17, wherein the at least one pivoting joint is lockable in a position wherein the first holding member is disposed axially perpendicular to the second holding member; the second holding member is disposed axially perpendicular to the handle member; and the first holding device is disposed axially co-linear to the handle member.
 19. The holding device as recited in claim 16, wherein the handle member includes a grip portion to allow a user to interface with the handle member.
 20. The holding device as recited in claim 16, wherein the handle member is mountable to a stationary surface.
 21. The holding device as recited in claim 16, wherein at least one of the first holding member and the second holding member comprises a U-shaped channel.
 22. The holding device as recited in claim 16, wherein the U-shaped channel is configured to removably retain the edge of the mobile electronic device.
 23. The holding device as recited in claim 16, wherein the U-shaped channel includes a fastener to retain the edge of the mobile electronic device. 